At the Monday night board meeting during his Superintendent’s report, Dr. Terry Morawski announced the Fort Smith Public Schools Police Department will be adding four new officers. The school board previously discussed their desire to add officers to provide additional coverage across the district.   

“It was important to me, in discussing with the team, that although they would be available if there were a large-scale incident that needed their support at a middle school or high school, they will be available, but their primary purpose will be elementary schools and campuses that aren’t currently served,” said Dr. Terry Morawski.

The district will use the Enhanced Student Achievement (ESA) funds to pay for these four new officers. The starting salary range for the officers begins at $44,760. Bill Hollenbeck says he hopes he can onboard the new officers before the end of the calendar year. 

FSPS continues to prioritize the safety and security of students and staff. Along with the four new officers, the district recently hired two new deans at each high school campus to assist principals with student discipline, increase campus safety, and improve the school environment. The district is also researching advanced technologies in weapon detection systems that could potentially be installed. Security and facilities staff are considering limited access points into the schools to ensure the highest level of campus safety.